2018 Subaru Legacy gets facelift, tech update

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Subaru redesigns the Legacy for 2018 model refresh

by Marcus De Guzman

February 03, 2017 08:58

The next-gen Legacy is still a few years away it seems as Subaru recently introduced the updated 2018 Legacy. Now sharing similar aesthetics with the 2018 WRX and STI, the Legacy gets an exterior makeover, along with a suite of other updates like an upgraded infotainment, better sound insulation and refurbished interior.

Starting with the exterior, Subaru claimed they gave the 2018 Legacy a sportier and elegant look. A wider grill is present up front and is paired up with a new front bumper and sharper-looking headlights. Other than that, LED foglights can now be specified, along with new high-contrast wheel designs and two new exterior colors; Magnetite Metallic Gray and Crimson Red Pearl. Finishing it all off is the new tailpipe design that is now integrated on the rear bumper.

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Moving inside, top-of-the-range models get real contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and dashboard. High-gloss black trim pieces and silver-colored bezels also make their in the cabin to spruce up ambiance. Apart from the standard black and ivory colored leather upholstery, Subaru also added a new gray finish in the 2018 update.

Over to in-car amenities, Subaru claimed the automatic climate control can now cool the cabin quicker. It also gets an updated look, with the temperature now displayed on the system's knobs. The standard touchscreen infotainment, on the other hand, is now slightly bigger at 6.5-inches (6.2-inches before). It now also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard for improved smartphone integration.

Available as an option, however is the new 8-inch touchscreen display which comes with navigation. Occupants at the back also benefit from the 2018 update as Subaru installed a pair of USB ports on the at the back of the center console.

Carried-over from the pre-facelift models are the 2.5-liter Boxer engine and the bigger 3.6-liter flat-six. The latter still generates 178 PS with 236 Nm of torque while the former produces 260 PS and 335 Nm of torque. Both engines are still mated to the brand's Lineartronic continuosuly variable transmission (CVT) which now benefits from a retuned software that will deliver smoother acceleration and better response.

As mentioned earlier, Subaru also improved on the car's Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) deadening. The CVT on 2.5-liter models get a new quieter ultra-short-pitch chain and readjusted engine timing under acceleration to further reduce powertrain noise. The side mirrors have been reshaped as well which help reduce noise from intruding into the cabin. Completing it all are the thicker front and rear wheel aprons, and the new sound-insulating inner film glass for the front side windows.